Scottish firm claims big boost to sales growth

30 July, 2010

Page 10

Scottish company Johnstone's Bakers claims its turnover has more than trebled since 2007, following a major investment in a state-of-the-art factory.

The independently-owned firm said that, following a £7m investment three years ago, which saw the company relocate to a new site in East Kilbride, its turnover had risen from £2.1m in 2007 to £7.4m in 2009. During the same period, it also won international contracts to supply the USA, Australia and Russia, and achieved its highest ever monthly sales in June this year.

Johnstone's said it had seen its export business grow significantly over the past three years, and revealed that it was now gearing up to fulfil a new contract, which would see its products distributed throughout 15 countries across Europe. A spokesperson for the firm said the new contract was for an own-label range for one of Europe's multiple retail chains.

In order to cope with increased demand for its recently launched Connie's range, the firm has also announced it is to invest a further £400,000 in its production area. The expansion will include the addition of new equipment, including an enrobing machine and a machine that will allow it to make its own chocolate.